Self-reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study

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Self-reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study
2007
Neil S. Coulson, Heather Buchanan
Blackwell Synergy

Neil S. Coulson, Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, 8 William Lee Buildings, Nottingham Science and Technology Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2RQ, UK
Tel: +44 115 846 6642
Fax: +44 115 846 6625

Abstract Ò


Objectives: This study aimed to explore the self-reported effectiveness of an existing online dental anxiety support group in terms of perceived level of anxiety since accessing the group.

Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 91 individuals who accessed the Dental Fear Central, an online support group bulletin board, during an 8-week period in 2005. Participants reported background demographic information, their own self-reported evaluation of the efficacy of the support group, as well as completing the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).

Results: In total, 60% of the sample considered that the support group had ÎsomewhatÌ or Îgreatly lessenedÌ their anxiety. Overall MDAS scores were significantly lower in the Îgreatly lessenedÌ group.

Conclusions: The results of this nonrandomised pilot study suggest some individuals retrospectively considered that, since accessing the online group, they experienced a reduction in dental anxiety. Future research should employ a randomised controlled design in order to determine the contribution of the online group to self-reported changes in dental anxiety over time.

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